55th District Court Online Case Review

Ingham County, MI

Frequently Asked Questions

What is online case review?

It's a way to have a police officer and judge review your case (such as a traffic ticket) without having to come to court for a hearing.

What are the benefits of online case review?

You could get your charge changed to one with no driver's license points. And you can do it online rather than going to court!

How is it different online than in court?

It's not. There's a real judge and law enforcement officer on the other side, making decisions about your case based on the same criteria they would if you went to court in person. It just takes place through this website.

How does it work?

You submit a request online for a reduced charge. If you are eligible, the police officer reviews your request and makes a recommendation to the judge, who then makes the final decision. You get a text or email with the result.

Is there a charge for online case review?

No.

Why does the court allow online traffic ticket review?

Everyone makes mistakes. If you have a good driving record, the judge and police officer may be willing to give you a lesser charge that does not add points to your license.

Why should I care about points on my license?

Having points on your license can raise your insurance rates, subject you to driver responsibility fees, or result in a suspension of your license to drive.

What happens if my request is rejected?

You have 10 days to admit responsibility and pay the ticket, deny responsibility and request a hearing, or admit responsibility with a written explanation. More information is on the back of your ticket.

What is Matterhorn and Court Innovations?

Spun out of the University of Michigan Law School, Court Innovations Inc. is the maker of Matterhorn, this website. Courts license it to interact with the public, so that you have an opportunity to be heard without physically having to go to court! The court provides it as a service to you.

How do I know if I'm eligible?

It depends on your record and other criteria set by the court and law enforcement. Just enter your ticket information and do a search to find the eligibility criteria. If you are, submit a request. Whether your request is approved is entirely up to the court and law enforcement.

What does it mean if I am ineligible?

It could mean your ticket is too old, or that you have too many past offenses or open tickets. Try a search. If you are ineligible, we'll tell you why.

If my request is approved, will I still have to pay a fine?

Yes. The fine could change based on the new charge. Either way, you are still responsible for paying it.

How will I know when a decision has been made?

We will send an email or text as well as update the message on your status page when you come back to the website. Full payment is due within 48 hours.

I received a citation that is eligible to be waived (or reduced), can I use this site to resolve my waivable offense?

Some citations can have their fines reduced or eliminated if you satisfy the court by showing proof. This site works to allow you to upload images as proof. These are the types of offenses that you can have reviewed online and what you need to upload as proof to satisfy the requirement.

1) Defective Equipment - fine may be lowered by uploading an image as proof of repairs or ticket signed by a police officer within 10 days of citation)

2) Expired Plates (tags) -†fine may be lowered by uploading an image as proof of valid registration within 10 days of citation.

3) No operatorís license on person -†fine may be lowered by uploading an image as proof of valid drivers license AND uploading a copy of your signed ticket pleading guilty (within 10 days of citation).

4) No proof of insurance - fine may be lowered by uploading an image as proof you had valid insurance (at the time of the ticket). You must do this within 10 days of citation. If you purchased insurance within 10 days after you received a citation you may still qualify for a reduction in what you owe for your citations.To qualify you must upload proof that you purchased insurance within 10 days after getting the citation.

5) Fail to change address on registration†-†fine may be lowered by uploading an image as proof that you updated your address with the Secretary of State within 10 days of citation.

6) Parking in Handicap w/out permit -†-fine may be lowered by uploading an image as proof of handicap permit within 10 days of citation.